Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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Business leaders from across Alabama are participating in an international conference in Tokyo this week that aims to broaden economic and cultural ties between seven Southeastern states and Japan.

The 41st annual joint meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan and the Japan-Southeast associations, known as SEUS Japan 41, is taking place in the Japanese capital beginning Friday.

Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, is heading the Alabama delegation, which includes company leaders, economic development specialists, mayors, workforce training officials and others.

The
Jefferson County Commission voted last week to rezone land in the existing Jefferson Metropolitan Park in McCalla that could bring thousands of additional jobs to the Birmingham metro area and have a substantial impact on economic development in the region.

"Based on projects in the queue, I would project another 5,000 citizens will be employed at the park in the future," said Commissioner David Carrington, chair of the county's Finance, Information Technology and Business Development committee. "Whenever I look at a parcel of developable property, I don't see land; I see jobs."

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - "Alabama is a land of bountiful natural beauty, and our state and local trails are a means to experience and enjoy that outdoor splendor," Governor Ivey said. "I am pleased to award these grants, and I encourage everyone to enjoy these and any of the many other trails in our state."

"Trails come in many forms and magnitudes, but they provide character and so much more to our communities," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. "I join with Gov. Ivey in commending those who work so diligently to make these recreational outlets available for all to enjoy."

Auburn University researchers are leading a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy project that is intended to improve fuel efficiency and fuel economy.

The project is intended to create a bio-based fuel additive that can be blended with diesel fuel to reduce soot and greenhouse gas emissions and yield cleaner engine operations in cold-weather conditions.

Auburn will be collaborating with researches at the University of Alabama, Cornell University and Virginia Tech. Corporate partners are Microvi Biotech Inc. and EcoEngineers.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 17, 2018--Epic Alabama Shipyard, LLC ("Epic") is honored to announce it has purchased BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama LLC and all of its related shipyard facilities in Mobile, Alabama. Epic will provide ship repair and maintenance services to its customers, utilizing the existing facilities and dry docks, including the Alabama Dry Dock, which is one of the largest in the Gulf of Mexico. Epic is owned by Epic Companies, LLC, a Houston, Texas based global offshore construction and decommissioning company, which will service vessels from its own fleet in Mobile.

Epic is also exploring opportunities to fabricate offshore structures and newbuild barges/small vessels in Mobile. Epic executive Rob Gilbert noted, "Mobile is perfectly situated to support the maritime and energy sector, both in the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean." Epic will work closely with the City of Mobile and the State of Alabama in developing a local workforce as its operations grow.